Slow Cooker Concho Valley Pulled Pork with Spiced Tomato Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender slow-cooked pork shoulder infused with regional spices in a rich tomato-based sauce, perfect for sandwiches or tacos. This american-inspired pork ready in about 500 minutes blends trimmed pork shoulder, salt, black pepper into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 6, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 480 min Serves 6 American cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rub 3 lbs pork shoulder evenly with 2 tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, 2 tbsp chili powder, 1 tbsp ground cumin, 1 tsp garlic powder, and 1 tsp onion powder, massaging the spices into all sides.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork shoulder on all sides, about 4 minutes per side, until browned and caramelized.
  3. Step 3: Transfer the pork shoulder to a slow cooker. In a bowl, whisk together 15 oz canned tomato sauce, 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, 2 tbsp brown sugar, and 1/2 cup water.
  4. Step 4: Pour the tomato sauce mixture over the pork. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours, or until the pork is fork-tender and shreds easily.
  5. Step 5: Remove pork from slow cooker and shred with two forks. Return shredded pork to the sauce and stir to coat before serving warm.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow Cooker Concho Valley Pulled Pork with Spiced Tomato Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 500 minutes (20 min prep + 480 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Slow Cooker Concho Valley Pulled Pork with Spiced Tomato Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow Cooker Concho Valley Pulled Pork with Spiced Tomato Sauce?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Slow Cooker Concho Valley Pulled Pork with Spiced Tomato Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Slow Cooker Concho Valley Pulled Pork with Spiced Tomato Sauce?

American pork like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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